University of Virginia Library

APPLICATION OF THE TURTLE and SPARROW.

O dearest daughter of two dearest friends,
To thee, my muse, this little tale commends;
Loving, and lov'd, regard thy future mate,
Long love his person, tho' deplore his fate.
Seem young, when old, in thy dear husband's arms,
For constant virtue has immortal charms;
And when I lie low sepulcher'd in earth,
And the glad year returns thy day of birth,
Vouchsafe to say e'er I cou'd write or spell,
The Bard, who from my cradle wish'd me well,
Told me I should the prating Sparrow blame,
And bid me imitate the Turtle's fame.